photo #8727022

Mark Lowry and the Gaither Vocal Band In 1988, Mark joined the Gaither Vocal Band, a Grammy Award-winning vocal group that sings Gospel music all over the world. Two years after joining, a talented musician and songwriter named Buddy Greene joined the group also. After seeing his work and getting to know him, Mark decided to share the poem “Mary Did You Know?” with him. In true Mark Lowry style, he scribbled these words meant as a joke, on a note along with the song and handed it to Buddy Greene: “Buddy, here are some God-inspired words. Please add some beautiful music and make it a profitable hit.” Greene saw the humor in his note but saw the potential and went to work. A few weeks later he called Mark and sang the song to him and within a week they had a demo together to give to their favorite artists. “Mary Did You Know?” is Released to the World When esteemed Christian artist Michael English released “Mary Did You Know?” Mark and Buddy were thrilled and felt very blessed. They never expected that others would follow. Soon country singer Kathy Mattea recorded and released it. So many other artists both Christian and secular would adopt and sing the song over the decades. Choirs and churches made it a staple in their Christmas programs. President Bill Clinton declared it to be his favorite Christmas song! It has now been performed by countless artists and all over the world by congregations! For the first time in decades, the world received a new Christmas song that would become a tradition each year and it was brought for the very first time by southern gospel music. While many view ADHD as a problem, people of faith believe that God created every mind with a purpose. Mark’s energy and creativity spurred on by ADHD allowed him to think outside the box and write these lyrics about the mother of Jesus Christ. Through the encouragement of his parents, Mark Lowry turned what some call the curse of ADHD into a beautiful Christ-honoring life. What a beautiful way to use your talents for God!